System for auto-alignment and tensioning of flexible pipes in a stationary production unit, and method for installing flexible pipes thereby

A method for installing a flexible pipe, wherein the method comprises the steps of:

• providing a flexible pipe with a tensioner, the tensioner having a supporting fork pivotally attached to the tensioner through a pivoted connection;
• connecting a main cable to an upper end of the flexible pipe, the main cable being tensionable by a first tensioning device positioned in a stationary production unit;
• connecting an auxiliary cable to a coupling pin of the supporting fork, the auxiliary cable passing through a pocket of a coupling device and being tensionable by a second tensioning device positioned in the stationary production unit;
• tensioning the auxiliary cable until the coupling pin of the supporting fork enters the pocket of the coupling device and is secured therein by a locking device;
• and
• tensioning the main cable so as to raise the flexible pipe that passes through the tensioner until the upper end of the flexible pipe reaches a location for fixing the upper end in the stationary production unit.

A system for auto-alignment and tensioning of flexible pipes in a stationary production unit, said system comprising:

• a tensioner provided with an internal opening suitable for passage of a flexible pipe from a first end of the tensioner to a second end of the tensioner opposite to the first end,
• a supporting fork, pivotally connected to the tensioner;
• and
• a coupling device which, at a first end, is configured to detachably connect to the supporting fork and, at a second end, is configured to connect to a stationary production unit,
• wherein the supporting fork comprises a coupling pin configured for detachable connection to the coupling device, and
• wherein the coupling pin and the coupling device are configured for detachable connection by lockable fitting of the coupling pin in a pocket of the coupling device.